Ask Instructor David Barrett

Unless I'm missing something really obvious, I'm having trouble finding backing tracks for Piedmont and Country blues genre. I'm really enjoying listening to many of the song tracks I have and play along but thought it would be cool to work with a backing track to create something. Any place to point me at??

I"ve been working on Shakey's Shuffle and listening to your track. When I listen to your 'pulls' its almost not there (I do remember somewhere you saying its more of a timing thing than a note playing thing). When I went back to the lesson on Gary's Blues where you cover pulls, there is a definite chord sound on the pull.

Is it just a matter of "what sounds good to you" or is there something we should be working on/towards? I'm having trouble accessing the Technique video this morning so if its in there, my apologies. I'll keep checking.

many times i heard the word "shuffle" in blues but what really defines a shuffle...why not say simple a blues...or is diferent...can anybody tell me why? and somebody explains his estructure. Thanks!!! very nice videos david.
NIcolas

David,

How many Filisko harps do you have, and in what keys?

Steve

Hi David,

I'm having trouble getting up to tempo on the speed lick of the 11th Chorus. Do you know if Gary Smith is tongue switching on this one? I'm not going to say it's impossible for me, but at this point, I'm finding it extreeeemely difficult to get even close to tempo without puckering or leaving my tongue hanging over the side without tongue switching.

-Taylor

Hi David,

Hope you had a good holiday. As a harmonica player and band leader, when you call out for a Latin beat, do you usually say a "Latin beat" or are there discernible differences that blues musicians are typically concerned with between a Cha-Cha, Rhumba, Mambo, etc.? If so what are the differences that are important for us to know?

-Taylor

Hi David,

So I'd like to record some of my song submissions using my bassman. Unfortunately, when I do this with the mic on my phone, it over distorts the phone speakers and the audio comes out sounding horrible, even with the volume on my bassman turned way down. Can you recommend a good personal audio recorder for under $100 that may work better than my phone mic?

-Taylor

Hi David,

I have been looking into buying a Low F harmonica for the Sonny Boy Williamson II artist study and I was thinking of purchasing a Hohner Thunderbird Low F. I am just wondering is this low F lower than the key you are using or is it the same? I know there is a low-low F as well, but I am referring to the one higher than that. I love the artist study song and can't wait to get stuck into it.

Also do you happen to have any recommendation for good online sellers of Hohner Thunderbird harmonicas that will ship to China? I can't find a local retailer here in Beijing.

Thanks continue reading...

WOW! Not so much a question but a, Thank You!! So much, what a great interview. You 2 are by far the greatest harmonica teachers out there, a few others run a close 2nd , but in complete learning you guys are tops and then to get to hear you talk about the harp in was a early Christmas Gift. continue reading...

This is not a question. Just wanted to comment on the new look front page of the site. VERY COOOL !